I think the contestants reactions to Simon's coments speak volumes about his credibility. Ever notice how tense some of them seem to be when they get to Simon? It's like everything was fluff and Simon is the real decision maker. If Simon says something positive, their faces light up like they just got a second scoop of ice cream with their birthday cake.

If Simon was given more than 15 seconds to comment, he might indeed be more relevent. But how often is he forced to make his point over Paula's histrionics? And then Randy chimes in. . . Poor Simon can't even complete a thought uninterupted. Con't me as a Simon fan. Who can Fox get to replace Paula next year?

A replacement for Paula? Let's see, um Paris Hilton? We could be told "That's Hot" about every performance. Or maybe Whitney Houston, at least we wouldn't have to speculate about whether drugs were involved. Or Rosanne, I think she is available, then if she didn't agree with Simon she could just punch him out.

I am a Simon fan. I appreciate his point blank direction. As to questioning HIS credibility- have you heard Paula sing? she wouldn't have made it pass the producers to even sing in front of herself...just my opinion on the matter

I believe Simons word were..." if I were you I would pack my bags". That was not an untrue statement. I might have made it myself under my breath!
As Constantine anyone of them could leave at anytime...so you must be prepared for the worst. His comment ment the axe could fall!! And it very well SHOULD have, Lord knows why it did not!